7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Simpsonville, SC to Bar Harbor, ME

Day 1: Mountain Views

Asheville, NC on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tupelo Honey

Enjoy a southern-style breakfast at Tupelo Honey, known for its creative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Blue Ridge Parkway Drive

Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to soak in stunning mountain views and wildflower-lined roads.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cúrate

Savor authentic Spanish tapas at Cúrate, a highly rated eatery providing a variety of unique small plates.
USD30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit the Asheville Art Museum

Explore contemporary American art and regional works at the Asheville Art Museum; open daily 10am-5pm.
USD15, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Rhubarb

Relax with a farm-to-table dinner at Rhubarb, offering seasonal dishes highlighting local produce.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Roanoke, VA on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Scratch Biscuit Company

Start your day with hearty biscuits and unique biscuit sandwiches at this beloved local spot.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Mill Mountain Star & Park

Climb or drive up to Mill Mountain to see the iconic star and enjoy panoramic views of Roanoke; park open from dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Roots

Taste farm-fresh, seasonal dishes in a cozy, art-filled environment at Local Roots.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Taubman Museum of Art

Visit the modern Taubman Museum showcasing American art and regional pieces, open 10am-5pm.
USD12, 1.5h

5:00pm

Drive to Washington, D.C.

Depart Roanoke in the late afternoon and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Washington, D.C.
Fuel approx USD40, 3.5h

8:30pm

Dinner at Founding Farmers

Enjoy comforting farm-to-table American dishes at Founding Farmers, open until 10pm.
USD35, 1.5h

Day 3: Historic Monuments

Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Le Diplomate

Start the day with a Parisian-style breakfast at Le Diplomate, a charming French bistro.
USD25, 1h

9:00am

National Mall Walking Tour

Visit iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the WWII Memorial; best experienced in the morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill

Dine at historic Old Ebbitt Grill, offering classic American fare near the White House.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore the extensive collection of aircraft and space artifacts, open 10am-5:30pm.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Rasika

Experience upscale Indian cuisine at Rasika, featuring innovative dishes in a contemporary setting.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 4: City Sights

Philadelphia, PA on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Cafe La Maude

Enjoy a French-Lebanese inspired breakfast at Cafe La Maude, perfect before exploring Philadelphia.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Liberty Bell & Independence Hall

Visit these iconic sites of American history, opening at 9am; tickets for Independence Hall timed entry, free but reserve ahead.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Sample diverse local foods and specialties in the vibrant Reading Terminal Market.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky Steps

Visit the renowned museum featuring classical and modern art; museum open 10am-5pm.
USD20, 2h

5:30pm

Drive to New York City

Depart Philadelphia and drive about 2 hours to New York City for overnight stay.
Fuel approx USD30, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Carmine’s

Share family-style Italian dishes at Carmine’s Times Square, open until 11pm.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 5: Urban Adventure

New York City, NY on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Try classic New York bagels with a variety of cream cheese spreads at Ess-a-Bagel.
USD10, 0.5h

9:00am

Central Park Exploration

Walk or bike through Central Park to see landmarks like Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge; park open 6am-1am.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore one of the world’s largest modern art collections; open 10:30am-5:30pm.
USD25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Eataly NYC Flatiron

Enjoy authentic Italian food in a lively marketplace setting.
USD30, 1h

3:30pm

Walk the High Line

Stroll along the elevated urban park built on a historic rail line, offering views and gardens; open 7am-10pm.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Smith

Casual American fare with a vibrant atmosphere in the East Village.
USD35, 1.5h

Day 6: Coastal Charm

Portland, ME on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Standard Baking Co.

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Explore Old Port District

Walk through this historic waterfront district known for boutiques, galleries, and cobblestone streets.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Casco Bay Ferry Ride

Take a scenic ferry ride to one of the nearby islands for coastal views and nature, operating 9am-5pm during summer.
USD25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Savor fresh oysters and New England seafood specialties at this acclaimed eatery.
USD35, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Portland Head Light

Drive 15 minutes to visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse located in Fort Williams Park; open daily and free to explore.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Fore Street

Dine at Fore Street for farm-to-table seafood and local dishes with an open kitchen ambiance.
USD45, 1.5h

Day 7: Nature and Relaxation

Bar Harbor, ME on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe This Way

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with varied options in this cozy local cafe known for friendly service.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Acadia National Park Tour

Explore highlights including Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and the Park Loop Road; park open 24/7, visitor center 8am-5pm.
USD30 (park pass), 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Jordan Pond House

Enjoy traditional popovers and tea with views of Jordan Pond; open 11am-5pm during summer.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll Bar Harbor Waterfront

Walk along the quaint waterfront with shops, galleries, and scenic views of Frenchman Bay.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Havana

Wrap up your trip with Latin-inspired dishes at Havana, a well-regarded restaurant known for vibrant flavors.
USD40, 1.5h